Posted in News, Team News on May 18, 2024.
It’s a six-pointer this afternoon as Kaizer Chiefs take on Polokwane City in their penultimate league fixture of the 2023/24 season at FNB Stadium. The two teams are in desperate need of the three points that are at stake, as they want to ensure they are in the top 8 when the season ends next weekend.
Amakhosi and Rise & Shine lie 8th and 9th respectively on the DStv Premiership log. They both have 35 points after 28 matches played, with Chiefs ahead on goal difference.
Chiefs drew their last encounter against AmaZulu 1-1 in Durban, while Polokwane City also played to a goalless stalemate against Sekhukhune United in the Limpopo derby last Saturday.
This afternoon’s clash is also Amakhosi’s last home game of the season and the Club will be honouring stalwart goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune for his remarkable 25 years with Kaizer Chiefs.
The legendary Khune will receive his accolade just before kick-off and will be given a special guard of honour by the players from both teams and officials. This will be followed by Club officials presenting Khune with symbols that he will cherish forever.
Coach Cavin Johnson will be a little relieved to have Given Msimango back from his two-match ban after being shown a red card. Chiefs will, however, be without Pule Mmodi in this match after he received his fourth yellow card last weekend. He joins the likes of Yusuf Maart, Keagan Dolly, Edmilson Dove, George Matlou, Reeve Frosler and Dillan Solomons on the list of unavailable personnel due to suspension or injury.
With Msimango returning and Mmodi suspended, Chiefs will have a total of three changes in the starting line-up. Firstly, at the back, Msimango will replace Njabulo Ngcobo. The second one is in the middle, where Edson Castillo will come on for Sibongiseni Mthethwa The final change is up front, where Mmodi will be replaced by Christian Saile.
Amakhosi will go with their standard 4-3-3 set-up.
Bruce Bvuma is in goal again this afternoon.
At the back, from left to right, Chiefs will have S’fiso Hlanti, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Msimango and Zitha Kwinika.
The three midfielders will be Castillo in the defensive role, supported by Siyethemba Sithebe and Mduduzi Shabalala just ahead of him.
The wingers are Christian Saile on the left and last weekend’s goal scorer, Ashley Du Preez, will play on the right wing.
Ranga Chivaviro leads the attack.
Msimango will reclaim the skipper’s armband.
This afternoon’s referee is Akhona Makalima. He is assisted on the lines by Athuxolo Madela and Thabo Thinane. The fourth official will be Thando Ndzandzeka.
This crucial DStv Premiership clash between The Phefeni Glamour Boys and Rise & Shine will start at 15:00 at the FNB Stadium in Nasrec. The match is live on SuperSport’s HD Channel 205 on DStv and SABC radio stations - with regular updates of the match on X (Twitter) @KaizerChiefs.
Chiefs XI: Bvuma (44), Kwinika (4), Hlanti (23), Ditlhokwe (24), Msimango © (25) Castillo (17), Sithebe (6), Shabalala (42), Basomboli Saile (21), Du Preez (9), Chivaviro (7)
Subs: Khune (32); Nj Ngcobo (27), Mashiane (19), McCarthy (35), Mthethwa (5), Zwane (37), Vilakazi (28), Jansen (29), Gonzalez (14)
Coach: Cavin Johnson
Polokwane XI: Sapunga (1), Matuludi (2), Nkwe (3), Nikani © (4), Nkaki (34), Maphungule (14), Ramabu (7), Chauke (9), Alexander (12), Mashikinya (17), Appollis (11)
Subs: Mathebula (40), Thuto (31), K. Baloyi K (5), van Heerden (6), Nana (13), Raphadu (15), Goovadia (16), Tshabalala (29) Mello (49)
Coach: Phuti Mohafe
